June 2021: Recognizing Juneteenth as a Federal Holiday

Dear friend,

Today, I visited the White House and watched President Biden sign a bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. As we celebrate this milestone, we must renew our commitment to address the lasting consequences of slavery. Although slavery was formally abolished 156 years ago, we still have yet to achieve full racial equality. I will continue to fight for reparations to atone for slavery and its horrific lasting consequences on Black Americans.

Fighting to Federally Support Indigenous Peoples

Last week, I hosted an Indigenous roundtable to hear from community leaders on the work they’ve been doing and how my office can partner with them. We discussed the American Rescue Plan, support for Urban Indian communities, and my efforts to federally support the American Indian Center via my Community Project Funding request to expand the center and their services. You can see more photos from my visit here.

Supporting Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools

Every single student deserves a quality education, and the support to make that possible. I am proud to reintroduce legislation to invest in social workers, counselors and personnel in schools to make sure our most vulnerable kids have the support they need. You can read more here.

Rebuilding Trust Between Community and Law Enforcement

Rebuilding trust between community and law enforcement starts with transparency and accountability. I led a letter to the DOJ to expand its review of the Minneapolis Police Department to include other agencies so we can begin the process of accountability and trust. You can read more here.

Repealing the 2002 AUMF

The House passed legislation to repeal the 2002 AUMF. For the past twenty years, the 2002 AUMF has been used to wage war and cause destruction around the world. Engaging in endless wars has led us to undermining our most important morals — peace, liberty and justice. As a survivor of war, I deeply understand the impact it has on innocent lives.You can watch my floor speech here.

Working on the American Families Plan

We need universal childcare and pre-K for all families — and we need to pay our childcare workers a living wage. Proud to be working on the American Families Plan that moves us closer to a future where all working families can thrive. You can watch my remarks on the House floor here.

MN05 Annoucements

Digital June Town Hall

Join me on June 29th at 5:30pm CT for a virtual town hall via Zoom. You can register and ask your questions here. Can’t wait to talk with you!

Did you get your COVID vaccine?

If you haven’t received your vaccine yet, you can sign-up here. Our community is counting on all of us to do our part and get vaccinated.

In service,

Ilhan Omar

Member of Congress